Renovating Old Houses

by George Nash

For those who know how to do the repair work, an old house can be a good investment. This book is aimed at home owners who want to renovate their houses with professional results, as well as the professional contractor who is serious about renovation. George Nash begins by offering advice on whether an old house is worth taking on or not. He tells you how to set priorities and how to handle virtually every aspect of renovation. The techniques explained include how to replace foundations, rebuild windows, install roofing and siding, repair plaster, upgrade wiling, plumbing and heating systems and much more.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Architecture

343 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1995

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely THE book when it comes to how to buy (or not buy and keep shopping) and renovate an old house. Put it next to the Joy of Cooking, a must for anyone that owns an old house

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book on renovating old houses, it includes a fair number of drawings of older styles of construction. Information on insulation and waterproofing are a bit dated, I'd recommend looking for more current information. Most techniques shown are not minor repairs, you need some serious experience or assistance. While I have restored a condemned house, it was a lot of work and I'm too old and impatient to do it anymore.

This is a good book on the subject, but don't get overconfident based on this or other similar works, be wary of houses that need such major rework.

[JuNaid AhMed · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice book

[On StoryGraph LizaWren · Rating 4 out of 5]

“...so many old houses seem to live a life of their own, breathing in slow, subtle rhythms of shifting lines and weathering wood. As do all living things, a house achieves a delicate equilibrium, a precariously maintained and constantly changing relationship to time, the seasons, and its people. It responds to the care (or neglect) given it–growing, changing, adding windows and doors, sprouting porches and sheds as the years progress. And when its people depart, a house begins to die. The process occurs with a grace, beauty, and terrible simplicity.”

“For me, it is this spiritual dimension, above all, that makes the renovation of old houses so deeply satisfying. To bring back a house to useful life… is ultimately an act of resurrection of both the house and its owners.”

“So potent is the spell of the old place, that you simply ignore your reservations and common sense, even as the real-estate agent is thanking the stars for city slickers. And so you sign a mortgage but also body and soul, spouse and children over to an idea that will soon become a joy and a burden, a black hole that devours every molecule of your time, money, and spirit. Yet even when you discover that the only thing keeping the place from blowing away is the weight of the mouse droppings in the attic, you wouldn’t have it any other way. If this is the case, you might be one of those old-house people, a peculiar kind of maniac who is one part ability, one part inventiveness, two parts determination, three parts romanticism, and six parts damn foolishness.”

“Rebuilding an old house is too great an undertaking to be digested whole… Enjoy and savor the process in and of itself, as a vehicle for self-discovery, not as an accounting of steps taken to reach the horizon.”

[John Maxim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of great information and would be a great reference for anyone who owns or rents an old house to have on hand. The main draw back I found is that the information in this book is really only for people with unlimited budgets who are also insane. Though I recognize you need to be a little crazy to buy these kinds of houses, only about 1 - 50 old homeowners are going to go to the lengths this book describes. I own 3 rental properties all over 100 years old and fix and flip homes for a living, specializing in old homes. Most of the repairs in the book are not at all practical with any kind of financial or time restraints. Getting permits for most of the It really deals with worst case scenario damage and best case scenario repair leaving regular people to fill in the banks on their homes that are in much better shape to start with. I was hoping for more maintenance and small fixes people could do on a budget. I probably should have found a book entitled "Maintaining Old Houses on a Budget" instead. Having said all that, I think George Nash should be the guy to write it. He definitely knows what he's talking about.

[Steve Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding resource full of much useful information. We are renovating an 1855 farmhouse and most of the questions and concerns I have are addressed in this book. This is not a DIY manual with instructions on actual work, but rather a manual for understanding what in general is involved with an issue, it's relative magnitude, and the type of contractor best suited for that task.

[Elinor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never renovated an old house, but it is my dream - so much so, that I actually read this book for pleasure. I lived vicariously through the homeowners whose hard work and financial commitment brought these decaying structures back to life. The instructions are explicit, the drawings and photographs excellent.

[Kait · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not finished in it's entirety, but enough to think it's worth buying. Good info on insulation, floor and woodwork, and exterior drainage systems that we can use. I appreciate that he presents differing points of view in the remodel-conserve spectrum and states his own bias clearly.

[Laurie]

this book is thorough. the pages are filled with excellent photos/ illustrations for all things technical. helpful!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

clear how-to instructions with beautiful photos. This book saved my butt quite a few times!

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reference.

[Ellenh · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those books I really ought to own.

[Erin Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for people with old houses. It's on my Christmas list!

[Donzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting. Quite in depth, looking at each aspect of an old home, telling you what to expect, what to look for and how the problems can be fixed.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE bible for old house owners. Explains just about every scenario you can be expected to face during your ownership. An absolutely indispensable reference book.

[Bronwyn Clune · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reference for those who are renovating an old home. I love how it prioritizes projects into necessary and cosmetic. Very helpful!

[Eric Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a builder, carpenter and also an owner of a Greek revival home. This book should be on the bookshelf of anyone who owns or works on an old house. Period.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super-helpful advice for renovating old homes. Clear, easy to read, and motivational.